Joan Ervin

     Joan Christine Ervin was born on May 8, 1938, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Howard and Margaret (MacManus) Sherman. Joan attended school in Johnston, Iowa, until her senior year when she transferred to Roosevelt High School in Des Moines. She attended Drake University where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, and graduated with a degree in music with a teacher’s certification. After graduation, she took a position teaching back in Johnston, Iowa where she joked that she worked alongside several of her previous teachers.

     On June 27, 1964, Joan was united in marriage with Richard (Dick) Ervin in what she called a “package deal,” becoming an instant mother to his two children, Pamela and Richard.

     Joan loved to travel to the UK and Norway and was an artist, leaving behind many sketches and watercolors inspired by her trips. and shared the journals she created during her travels with her friends and family. She also was an accomplished weaver creating many articles of “wearable art” that she displayed and entered into many competitions at the Indiana State Fair.

     She passed away in hospice care on Saturday, May 2, at Rose Vista in Woodbine, Iowa at the age of 87 years, 11 months, and 25 days.

     Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her stepson, Richard. She is survived by her stepdaughter, Pamela (Rick) Oviatt of Woodbine; Richard’s wife, Edith Ervin; grandchildren, Matthew (Claudia) Oviatt of Denver, Colorado and their children Mia and Max; Thomas (Kate) Oviatt of Longmont, Colorado and their children Dahlia and Theo; Will (Katie) Oviatt of Bellevue, Nebraska and their son Amon; Joshua (Ashley) Ervin of Indianapolis, Indiana and their two sons Noah and Elijah; Philip (Michelle) Ervin of Indianapolis and their children Hazel and Finn; Kendall (Lauren) Ervin also of Indianapolis and their daughter Hunter, and his daughter Oakley; and many other relatives.

There will be no services per Joan’s request.